Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional sound quality with minimal distortion
  • Elegant design with acrylic glass front
  • User-friendly with included remote control
  • High-performance WM8761 DAC
  • Versatile connectivity options (Coaxial, Optical, Unbalanced RCA, Balanced XLR)

Product Considerations

  • Limited to CD playback—no SACD or DVD-Audio support
  • May be overkill for casual listeners

Takeaway: The Advance Paris X-CD7 CD Player offers cutting-edge technology and great sound for audiophiles. It's a choice to rediscover your music collection with quality.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

X-CD7

reviews

[{"title":"Advance Paris X-CD7 CD Player Review: A Symphony of Audiophile Excellence","link":"https://www.theaudiotailor.com.au/blogs/reviews/advance-paris-x-cd7-cd-player-review-a-symphony-of-audiophile-excellence","source":"The Audio Tailor","datePublished":"2024"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

AC Input Compatibility

115V / 230V

Standby consumption

Less than 0.5 W

Max consumption.

10 W

Transformer type

SMPS

Exits

Coaxial (RCA – 75 Ohm), Optical (TOSLINK), RCA, XLR

Distortion

< 0.006% (XLR), < 0.01% (RCA)

Signal to noise ratio

106 dB

Remote

Yes

Front face

Acrylic glass

Accessories

Power cord, IR remote control

Width

431 mm

Height

73 mm

Depth

260 mm

Net Weight

3.3 kg

Gross Weight

4.35 kg

DAC

WM8761

The X-CD7 is a CD player equipped with analog and digital outputs.
The X-CD7 is a CD player with both analog and digital outputs. The components of this CD player have been designed to extract digital information with all the musicality present in Advance products. Great care has been taken in the power supply of this CD player. It provides a stable and clean power supply for all analog and digital circuits such as the CD mechanism, the laser control and the digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The separation of the power supply and the digital/analog converter board also contributes to the performance of the X-CD7. Equipped with coaxial (RCA) and optical (TOSLINK) digital outputs, unbalanced (RCA) and balanced (XLR) analogue outputs, the X-CD7 is the ideal CD player for your Hi-Fi system and your large CD collection.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Advance Paris products feature a hybrid design, blending a tube preamp stage with a solid-state power amplifier, aiming for a balance of warmth and power.
  • Advance Paris stands out by offering a comprehensive set of features, often including built-in CD players, DACs, phono stages (MM/MC), and streaming capabilities in their integrated amplifiers, offering an all-in-one solution.
  • The brand is noted for its distinctive aesthetic, often incorporating blue VU meters, transparent acrylic front panels, and tube viewing windows, creating a unique, eye-catching appearance.
  • They offer a wide array of connectivity options, including multiple analog and digital inputs, and subwoofer outputs, catering to diverse system configurations and source preferences, though Bluetooth is often an optional add-on.

PlayStream A7

  • Positioning: The mid-range connected integrated amplifier in the lineup.
  • Description: Offers a robust 115W per channel output, making it ideal for audiophiles seeking high-definition sound in a compact form. It stands out with its network capabilities, supporting services like Spotify and Tidal, which are not as extensive in the A12 Classic. This makes it suitable for users who prioritize streaming and digital connectivity in medium-sized rooms.

A12 Classic

  • Positioning: The entry-level dual-mono integrated amplifier in the Classic Line.
  • Description: Features tube pre-amplification, delivering a warm, musical sound that is less aggressive than the PlayStream A7. It includes a wide array of connections, including HDMI and balanced XLR outputs, which are more comprehensive than those in the MyConnect 250, making it a versatile choice for those with diverse audio sources and a moderate budget.

MyConnect 250

  • Positioning: An all-in-one solution in the MyConnect series, designed for users who want a single device for multiple audio functions.
  • Description: Features dual toroidal transformers and built-in CD player, offering a unique combination of power and versatility not found in the PlayStream A7. It provides a comprehensive audio system with streaming, radio, and CD capabilities.

X-i1100

  • Positioning: The high-end integrated amplifier in the Classic Line, aimed at audiophiles seeking top-tier performance.
  • Description: Distinguished by its powerful 220W per channel output and advanced DAC, providing superior sound quality compared to the A12 Classic. Its robust construction and extensive input options serve users with high-end audio setups and a preference for analog and digital sources.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
3
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
181
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
29
Founding Year
1995

Our take on the brand

Advance Paris is known for integrating tube preamps with solid-state amplification, delivering a warm and dynamic sound that rivals more expensive brands like McIntosh, while offering rare features like HDMI ARC connectivity in their stereo amplifiers. Their products stand out with illuminated VU meters and dual-mono designs using separate toroidal transformers for each channel, while providing high-end features like built-in DACs and phono stages at mid-range prices.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

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What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

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What if you spend more?

Product image
Advance Paris
X-CD9
1199
1199
/
3
Reviews

The X-CD9 is a CD player with both analog and digital outputs. But the analog output has something special: as you can see on the front panel, two miniature audio tubes provide a musical signal, devoid of any aggressiveness, to your amplifier. Great care has been taken in powering this CD player using a toroidal transformer. It provides a stable and clean power supply for all analog and digital circuits such as the CD mechanism, laser control and digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Equipped with coaxial (RCA) and optical (TOSLINK) digital outputs, unbalanced (RCA) and balanced (XLR) analogue outputs, the X-CD9 is the ideal CD player for your Hi-Fi system and your large CD collection.

Advance Paris is known for integrating tube preamps with solid-state amplification, delivering a warm and dynamic sound that rivals more expensive brands like McIntosh, while offering rare features like HDMI ARC connectivity in their stereo amplifiers. Their products stand out with illuminated VU meters and dual-mono designs using separate toroidal transformers for each channel, while providing high-end features like built-in DACs and phono stages at mid-range prices.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Our summary

Product Strengths

  • Offers a sweet and refined presentation that does impressive things with poor recordings
  • Solid and sturdy build quality
  • Uses a high-quality toroidal transformer, ensuring a stable and clean power supply
  • Creates a spacious sound
  • Versatile connectivity options, including both unbalanced (RCA) and balanced (XLR) analogue outputs

Product Considerations

  • The digital output might not be the best
  • The CD tray feels a bit fragile
  • Limited to CD playback, and is not a multi-format player
  • The tray closes automatically a little quickly
  • Bass response doesn't hit as hard as some solid-state digital implementations

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Feels a bit less substantial than the Audiolab 7000CDT

Takeaway: The Advance Paris X-CD9 is a CD player that brings a sweetness to the music and offers versatile connectivity. It could be a great choice for rediscovering a CD collection with a subtly different presentation.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Advance Paris is known for integrating tube preamps with solid-state amplification, delivering a warm and dynamic sound that rivals more expensive brands like McIntosh, while offering rare features like HDMI ARC connectivity in their stereo amplifiers. Their products stand out with illuminated VU meters and dual-mono designs using separate toroidal transformers for each channel, while providing high-end features like built-in DACs and phono stages at mid-range prices.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Advance Paris
X-D500
1522
1522
/
1
Reviews

The X-D500 is a CD Transport that focuses on its core task: extracting the purest digital information from the CD. The analog conversion must be done through a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) or an amplifier with digital sockets.

The linear power supply is based on 2 toroidal transformers for perfect separation of the different power supplies. Circuits necessary for the operation of the product such as the management of the mechanics, the processing of the signal from the laser, etc.

An upscaling function allows the original digital signal (16bit/44.1kHz) to be upgraded to a High-Definition signal (24bit/96kHz or 24bit/192kHz).

The X-D500 benefits from a chassis of significant rigidity thanks to its mechanical design. Each circuit is separated from the others by a compartmentalized construction ensuring effective shielding.

Equipped with Coaxial (RCA), Optical (TOSLINK) and AES / EBU (XLR) digital outputs, the X-D500 is a high-end CD source for your Hi-Fi system. Compatible with all of our products (except the X-i50BT), it will allow you to enjoy your CDs, media which still remains a reference for its audio quality.

Advance Paris is known for integrating tube preamps with solid-state amplification, delivering a warm and dynamic sound that rivals more expensive brands like McIntosh, while offering rare features like HDMI ARC connectivity in their stereo amplifiers. Their products stand out with illuminated VU meters and dual-mono designs using separate toroidal transformers for each channel, while providing high-end features like built-in DACs and phono stages at mid-range prices.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Our summary

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional build quality
  • Upscaling capability to 24-bit/192kHz for enhanced audio detail
  • Delivers a pure digital signal path for uncompromised audio quality
  • Multiple digital output options (Coaxial, Optical, and AES/EBU) for versatile system integration

Product Considerations

  • Requires a separate DAC or digital input-capable amplifier

Takeaway: The Advance Paris X-D500 CD Transport elevates CDs to an art form and breathes new life into CD collections, making it an essential addition to any serious audio setup. Its meticulous attention to detail in its construction speaks volumes about Advance Paris's commitment to audio excellence.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Advance Paris is known for integrating tube preamps with solid-state amplification, delivering a warm and dynamic sound that rivals more expensive brands like McIntosh, while offering rare features like HDMI ARC connectivity in their stereo amplifiers. Their products stand out with illuminated VU meters and dual-mono designs using separate toroidal transformers for each channel, while providing high-end features like built-in DACs and phono stages at mid-range prices.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Marantz
CD 50n
1800
1800
/
8
Reviews
Marantz is a hifi brand known for its proprietary HDAM technology, which replaces traditional op-amps in their amplifiers for better sound quality. Their products include slim-design AVRs that fit better under TVs, and their flagship Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier delivers exceptional power with 250 watts into 8 ohms through its dual-mono symmetrical amplifier topology.
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Expand Details

Our summary

Product Strengths

  • Acts as both a high-quality CD player and a high-resolution network audio playback source, offering flexibility for different digital music sources
  • Offers a clear and detailed sound quality due to its ESS Sabre DAC and custom-designed Marantz Musical Digital Filters
  • The design is sleek and classy, complementing the Marantz MODEL 50 amplifier
  • Supports multiple streaming services via HEOS, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth, making it easy to access music from various platforms
  • Features extensive connectivity options, including digital inputs (Toslink, Coaxial, USB A & B), network access (Ethernet, Wi-Fi), and HDMI ARC for TV audio

Product Considerations

  • HEOS platform is functional, but can feel clunky compared to other streaming platforms, and lacks support for Chromecast
  • Does not support SACD playback
  • The BT connection only supports the SBC codec, even though not stated on the panel
  • Is a little lighter than expected tonally, and has a fraction less bass response
  • It is occasionally slow to respond to commands

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. Marantz SACD 30n: Lacks SACD playback and has simpler internal technology, but is more affordable and includes HDMI ARC, the sound quality between them is only slightly different
  • Vs. Primare CD15 Prisma: Primare relies on Chromecast or AirPlay 2 for streaming, lacks USB-B

Takeaway: The Marantz CD 50n is a versatile and great-sounding player that offers a combination of CD playback and modern streaming features, fitting nicely into a modern hifi setup. It can be a great choice for those who still enjoy CDs, but also want the convenience of network streaming.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Marantz is a hifi brand known for its proprietary HDAM technology, which replaces traditional op-amps in their amplifiers for better sound quality. Their products include slim-design AVRs that fit better under TVs, and their flagship Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier delivers exceptional power with 250 watts into 8 ohms through its dual-mono symmetrical amplifier topology.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Rotel
DT-6000
2299
2299
/
8
Reviews

The Rotel DT-6000 DAC Transport celebrates 60-Years of performance synonymous with the brands Japanese heritage. PC-USB, Optical, Coaxial, and included tray loading CD Player provide the ultimate flexibility for your favorite sources rendering the audio with unprecedented detail and immersive sound stage.

Rotel is a family-owned hifi brand that maintains control over its entire manufacturing process, including producing their own custom toroidal transformers for superior audio performance. Through their Balanced Design Concept and Michi high-end line, Rotel focuses on long-term product development cycles rather than frequent launches, emphasizing genuine performance improvements through careful component selection and circuit design.
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Expand Details

Our summary

Product Strengths

  • Direct, revealing sound signature
  • Well-engineered, with a silent, spring-floating CD mechanism and quality parts
  • Versatile, handling up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD256 audio via USB-B and S/PDIF inputs
  • Precisely constructed
  • Premium ESS Sabre 8-Channel ES9028PRO DAC produces a high-quality sound, expansive soundstage with detail retrieval and noise reduction

Product Considerations

  • No digital output
  • A CD-only player, it does not play SACD discs
  • Lacks network streaming capabilities

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The DAC section is preferred over the RA-6000's, offering more clarity, image depth, dynamics, and life to the music
  • The sound reminds the reviewer of Michi X3 integrated

Takeaway: It's a great CD player and DAC transport, it can bring out the best in your CD collection or act as a high quality DAC for computer based audio. It's a great way to add high-fidelity digital playback to a hifi system.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Rotel is a family-owned hifi brand that maintains control over its entire manufacturing process, including producing their own custom toroidal transformers for superior audio performance. Through their Balanced Design Concept and Michi high-end line, Rotel focuses on long-term product development cycles rather than frequent launches, emphasizing genuine performance improvements through careful component selection and circuit design.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Marantz
CD 60
999
/
Released
2022
Extraordinary sound and peerless style—Marantz CD 60 celebrates your CD collection with a player engineered to sound better than any other in this class. Built with high quality materials and Sound Master tuned, CD 60 adds precision CD playback to MODEL 40n or any high-quality audio system.
Check Amazon
Marantz is a hifi brand known for its proprietary HDAM technology, which replaces traditional op-amps in their amplifiers for better sound quality. Their products include slim-design AVRs that fit better under TVs, and their flagship Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier delivers exceptional power with 250 watts into 8 ohms through its dual-mono symmetrical amplifier topology.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Impressive weight and solid feel as a full-sized CD player
  • Sleek, modern design
  • Disc tray opens and closes quietly, implying quality
  • Sound is nice and well-rounded, with great detail and covering the whole frequency range nicely
  • Excellent build quality and design

Product Considerations

  • Track access speed is not quite as fast as older models
  • May trick one into thinking it's a seriously premium product, and then, just perhaps, end up disappointed
  • SACD playback capability is not included
  • Does not have digital inputs to connect a digital source

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Outperformed the Rotel CD11 Tribute when it came to features and design, but the Rotel's output stage felt pretty comparable

Takeaway: The Marantz CD 60 is a well-engineered player designed to get the best from a CD collection, and it has a simple and luxurious sound. It is a great buy for someone who wants to keep enjoying their CDs.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Marantz is a hifi brand known for its proprietary HDAM technology, which replaces traditional op-amps in their amplifiers for better sound quality. Their products include slim-design AVRs that fit better under TVs, and their flagship Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier delivers exceptional power with 250 watts into 8 ohms through its dual-mono symmetrical amplifier topology.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
SMSL
PL200
669
/
Released
2023
PL200 Hi-Res CD player Hi-End CD solution, support MQA-CD
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SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Compact form factor with a solid aluminum chassis
  • Fast CD reading due to the Precision Access Servo System (P.A.S.S.)
  • Beefy headphone output, rated at up to 1W x 2 into 32Ω
  • Top-loading design offers a unique and enjoyable user experience reminiscent of turntables
  • Includes a wide range of features such as a USB-DAC interface, balanced outputs, and Bluetooth connectivity

Product Considerations

  • May lean too bright in some systems, with a slight hint of harshness in the treble
  • Headphone output is located on the rear, which may be inconvenient for some users
  • The two-piece lid and magnetic puck system for top-loading can be clunky, and the puck is easy to lose
  • Some reviewers experienced issues with the unit not playing less than perfect CDs
  • Bluetooth receiver might be of little value to some, and a potential source of noise

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Rotel CD-11 MKII: PL200 is a little bit punchier and peppier
  • Vs EverSolo DMP-A6: PL200 has better high frequency refinement and imaging within the soundstage, though the DMP-A6 has a wider soundstage
  • Vs Arcam CD5: PL200 has better bass definition, transient snap and lockdown imaging
  • Vs Cambridge Audio CXN-100: PL200 is similar in tonality to the Cambridge Audio streamer
  • Vs Marantz CD-60: PL200 renders more information and offers more clarity

Takeaway: The SMSL PL200 is a versatile and well-built CD player with a range of modern features, making it a good option for audiophiles looking for a combination of retro design and modern functionality. It provides excellent sound quality and multiple connectivity options for various audio setups.

Video review

Our take on the brand

SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Musical Fidelity
M2scd
999
/
Released
Like the matching M2si integrated amplifier, the M2scd is designed as serious hi-fi available at a modest price. From the fine fit and finish of its metal casework to the unique technology sitting inside, the M2scd exceeds expectations.
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Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Clear and detailed sound with good separation and transparency
  • Sleek, fuss-free design with robust construction
  • Quality slot-loading CD mechanism that operates smoothly and reliably
  • 24-bit Delta-Sigma dual differential DAC with 8x oversampling for excellent data recovery
  • Coaxial and optical digital outputs, as well as analog RCA outputs

Product Considerations

  • Bright blue display's viewing angles could be better
  • Remote control has an odd layout for the transport controls
  • In terms of its ability to portray harmonics, it loses out to better DACs
  • Lacks digital inputs and streaming functions

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Marantz CD6006 UK, the M2sCD offers a leveled up performance
  • Compared to the Cyrus CDi, the Cyrus CDi offers a harder edge and extra bite
  • The M2sCD is on par with the Audiolab

Takeaway: The Musical Fidelity M2sCD is a well-built CD player that delivers a refined and enjoyable listening experience. Its clear and detailed sound, combined with its sleek design, makes it a good choice for CD listeners.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Arcam
CD5
699
/
Released
2023
The ARCAM CD5 is for those intimate listening experiences with your favourite music on Compact Disc. ARCAM has been a pioneer of Compact Disc playback since the development and introduction of the Delta 70 CD player in 1986, our own ground up design. The experience of producing high quality digital audio products since then has been poured into the ARCAM CD5.
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Arcam is a hifi brand known for its unique Class G amplifier technology, which uses multiple power supplies that switch based on demand to achieve both high efficiency and pure Class A sound at low volumes. Their AV receivers and processors stand out for their use of Dirac Live Bass Control technology, which precisely optimizes subwoofers to improve in-room performance and reduce room modes.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Engaging, punchy, and muscular sound that is also detailed and dynamically expressive
  • Excellent timing and pace in its music reproduction
  • Very user-friendly
  • Great build quality with a sleek, minimal design and modern aesthetic
  • It can also play music files (in FLAC, WAV, WMA, MP3 and AAC formats up to 24-bit/192kHz) if they're stored on a USB flash drive or hard disc storage thanks to the USB-A input on the back panel

Product Considerations

  • The menu system and sub-menus could be more intuitive to access
  • Some reviewers found the display, which always shows the total track time and counts down during playback, a minor annoyance
  • The remote control is identical to other Radia devices, making it potentially confusing if owning multiple Radia products
  • No support for SACD
  • CD text is not available and numeric track input via remote is also unavailable

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Arcam CD5 does not quite have the scale or instrument separation compared to Bluesound Node-X, but it is comfortably the biggest sounding of all three CD players being tested here when it comes to soundstage
  • The Arcam CD5 is not quite as rolled off in the top end compared to the Bluesound Node-X, and has a little bit more presence in the upper mid-range
  • The Arcam CD5 has more resolution than Marantz CD60, but the Marantz has the most neutral presentation of all three of these CD players

Takeaway: The Arcam CD5 is a talented CD player that brings out the best in your CD collection with its engaging sound and user-friendly design. It is well-built and fun to listen to, making it a worthwhile addition for CD enthusiasts.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Arcam is a hifi brand known for its unique Class G amplifier technology, which uses multiple power supplies that switch based on demand to achieve both high efficiency and pure Class A sound at low volumes. Their AV receivers and processors stand out for their use of Dirac Live Bass Control technology, which precisely optimizes subwoofers to improve in-room performance and reduce room modes.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Pro-Ject
CD Box S3
549
/
Released
2022
The CD Box S3 is our first product of the new S3 line. In contrast to DVD or Blu-ray Disc players, a pure CD player is frequently better in playback of stereo CDs. The drive in the CD Box S3 enables 1:1 bit-accurate CD playback. The new DAC chip provides the best digital analog conversion with a bit depth & sampling rate up to 32bit/384kHz. The slot in mechanism smoothly draws in the CD and after a few seconds it is ready to play.
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Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Full, detailed, and dynamic presentation with great spaciousness, definition, and imaging
  • Nice internal DAC that can be used in analog, or as a digital transport
  • Dedicated CD-only design for optimal performance
  • Neat design that's very easy to use
  • Compact form factor, being almost portable
  • Affordable

Product Considerations

  • Remote is small and plasticky
  • Slot-load design might be a concern if a disc gets stuck
  • Lacks bass impact and can sound a little muddled at times
  • No optical digital output
  • Stop button occasionally needs to be double-tapped to eject a disc

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Rotel CD11 Tribute: A relatively even competitor
  • Vs Denon DCD-900NE: The Denon adds support for burned CDs containing MP3, WMA, and AAC files, and has a USB Type A port that supports playback of hi-rez files
  • Vs Audiolab 6000CDT: Both rely on a slot-load drive that accepts store-bought CDs only, without SACD, DVD-A, burned CDs, or HDCD
  • Vs Rotel CD ELF: The Rotel CD ELF has a better transient response and is a little bit more clean in voices and instruments reproductions
  • Vs Older Denon CD player: The Pro-Ject added subtle details underscoring songs

Takeaway: The Pro-Ject CD Box S3 is a compact and affordable CD player that delivers detailed and dynamic sound. It's easy to use and provides a great way to rediscover a CD collection.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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